This message articulates where we, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum Foundation Board, stand regarding human rights, racial equality, and social justice.
This past Memorial Day, George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis. A widely circulated video depicts how tragic and unjustifiable his death was. His death marked the beginning of ongoing demonstrations and protests in nearly every major community of our country and overseas. These protests concern not only George Floyd but represent and echo other examples of racial injustice.
It is fundamentally important that our Foundation avoids silence on matters of discrimination and bigotry, especially in light of recent events. Racism is contrary to the purposes and goals of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum Foundation. The harm, anguish, and anger caused by this blight in our society is very real for many of our members and supporters. We fully support the effort to eliminate the presence of this evil from our Nation.
The purposes of the Museum Foundation do not overtly address the major consequences of racism in our society. Yet, our meaningful work positively impacts people of different races and ethnic backgrounds. This occurs as we support and assist Marines, Sailors, military families, veterans, Gold Star Families, scouts, middle school students, high school students, and others in need. We are in the business of helping others and we appreciate the nexus between our work and National security.
Our Foundation is an apolitical nonprofit organization that is welcoming to all — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and age. We are diverse and working to increase this diversity while ensuring its presence in all areas of our Foundation. Much of the Foundation’s work helps highlight and celebrate the diversity in the Marine Corps.
Our Foundation’s inclusiveness extends to members and veterans of every branch of the Armed Forces as well as civilians with no military experience. Our Foundation members and supporters are valued equally and their respective lives offer many inspiring examples of responsible citizenship. Our values and beliefs mirror those of the Marine Corps, especially in regards to the fundamental tenet of our Nation that all men — and women — are created equal.
Moving forward our Foundation will continue listening, learning, empathizing, communicating, and working together. Our members will strive to set an example relative to human rights, social justice, and racial equality. Our actions will ensure the Museum Foundation’s trajectory is one of ever-increasing improvement in who we are and how we help others and the Nation.
Board of Directors
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum Foundation
